According to The Los Angeles Times, 2015 saw an increase in fatalities in car crashes in California. Due to a stronger economy, more people were on the road in the Golden State, increasing the likelihood of an accident. With 14.5 million registered automobiles on the road in California in 2015, it is little surprise that car accidents are commonplace. Auto accidents can happen anytime, whether a person is behind the wheel or riding public transport. Although fatalities can result from auto accidents, many drivers and passengers walk away from accidents unharmed. Some accident victims that do not go to the hospital or seek medical attention right away, find they suffer injuries or problems later on. Injuries and medical bills can pile up in any case, and cost an accident victim dearly.
So, what can you do to prevent expenses from mounting, and what should you do immediately after a car accident?
Medical Treatment
Following an accident, you may need to seek emergency medical treatment. Even if you do not think you need medical attention right away, you could develop pain later on, so it is important to get checked out either way. Any medical treatment or doctor’s appointments you have attended post-accident should be recorded. Keeping track of medical expenses can help you receive compensation later.
Contact Your Insurance Company
After an accident has happened, it is important for you to contact your insurance company as soon as possible. When you speak with an insurance agent, explain the accident as clearly as you can. Your insurance company needs the facts of the accident to fill in the claims form. If the information you have given does not add up – due to not being completely truthful – you can get into serious trouble down the line. An insurance company may not cover you for the accident if it finds out you lied about certain details.
Missed Workdays
In the same way medical expenses can added up, so can missed workdays. Like medical appointments and expenses, be sure to keep track of the days and wages missed from work. In addition, if you are unable to complete normal tasks, keep track of them and be sure to speak with your attorney about the changes to your daily routine. You could be compensated for disruptions to your lifestyle.
Do Not Take an Early Settlement
After the accident, it is important not to settle for a payment right away. If an insurance company offers to settle, it should raise red flags for you. Be sure to get full treatment for any injuries before accepting a settlement. Some insurance companies want to settle quickly to avoid paying more money once further treatment is needed. It is always a good idea to enlist a personal injury lawyer from Flahavan Law offices to represent you after an accident.
Flahavan Law Offices
If you or a loved one has experienced a traffic accident and the medical expenses that come after one, contact Flahavan Law Offices. Flahavan Law Offices specializes in personal injury law and can give you advice on the compensation you deserve. Flahavan Law Offices is here to help with all your personal injury law needs.